Long Beach Parent Academy Gets Everyone Involved

The Long Beach School District hosted a Parent Academy on Oct. 21, during which elementary school families were provided advice and recommendations for helping their children with schoolwork while at home.

The evening event, held at Lido School, offered an introductory session followed by grade-specific workshops.

After receiving a positive response when introduced last year, Parent Academy continued thanks largely to the efforts of Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Kenneth Graham, Director of English Language Arts Joshua Anisansel, Director of Mathematics Cheriese Pemberton, East School Principal Sean Murray, Lido School Principal Brenda Young, Lindell School Principal Karen Sauter, and West School Principal Sandra Schneider. Teachers led the individual workshops for parents of children in grades K-5.

With classroom instruction now reflecting the Common Core Learning Standards, new teaching approaches and resources are utilized to support students in successfully learning the curriculum. The content covered in the workshops familiarized parents with terms and strategies commonly used in reading, writing and math, as well as ways to prompt students to understand the materials. Many presenters indicated that the Common Core focuses on students’ abilities to comprehend and apply their knowledge to the broader world rather than simply complete math problems or read at a certain level in the classroom.

“The Parent Academy has served as an excellent opportunity for parents to understand more about the new curricula and instructional practices that have been implemented in our schools,” stated Superintendent of Schools David Weiss. “We are fortunate that parents want to be involved in their children’s education, and we are mindful of the questions that many have regarding the Common Core. Our Faculty members participates in professional development throughout the year, and it is important that we keep parents updated on ways they can be partners in their children’s learning.”

For more information on ELA and Mathematics developments, please see the article titled, “Assessment Report Presented at Oct. 14 Board of Ed. Meeting,” available at www.lbeach.org.